Awards recognised challenging year Toowoomba businesses have faced

A constant theme emerged from Saturday night’s Business Excellence Awards – the importance of good staff.

Personally, I had a great night at the Focus HR Business Excellence Awards 2020 last Saturday.

My anxiety reached its peak about 1pm, as final media releases were being drafted, the anticipation of the importance of the night built in my mind and of course, the things I left at the farm, which required a trip to local shops to ensure I was ready for the business community night of nights.

In the words, of President Harrison Humphries, welcoming address:

“The Chamber’s Business Excellence Awards have long been an annual highlight in Toowoomba, but this year they take on an extra special meaning.

“In 2020, the Awards recognise the challenging year businesses have faced, their strength, their aptitude, and their resilience during a worldwide pandemic.

“The main goal of the Awards is to acknowledge the year we have all lived through and celebrate with our local business community – its optimism, innovation and survival.

“In 2020, we had over 600 nominations and 100 applicants responding to the revised and simplified application form, judges’ site visit and a short 30 second to one minute video, where applicants got to describe who they are and what their business does.

“A very special thanks to all applicants and judges for taking the time to be involved in these Awards.

“The Business Excellence Awards are a rich tradition. A tradition where we get to showcase the diversity and dedication of Toowoomba’s business community; where we get to celebrate business achievement; promote business best practice; and recognise the significant contribution that business makes to the fabric of our fair city.”

There are so many people to thank who, in trying circumstances, pulled this event together in rapid time.

All nominees, all applicants and all our sponsors, who without their support, an event which celebrates business could not have been delivered.

And what about Toowoomba 4350, Ben and Georgie who live streamed the red carpet, to Shane and Jodie of SJA Media who live streamed the event and interviewed all winners.

And lets not forget Jo and Cassie at the Event Group who assisted in the delivery on the night at Empire Theatre.

We, at the Chamber are so grateful.

A constant theme emerged from all winners and that was the importance of their staff in creating winning businesses.

With that, can I thank the dedicated staff of the Toowoomba Chamber, Deb, Katie, Emma, Anna and Ally, who without your commitment to the business community, this event would not be possible.

Thank you to the business community for your support.

We are excited about the Focus HR Business Excellence Awards 2021.

And to help us create an event like no other, please feel free to provide your feedback to [e-mail]